Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum Celebrates 25th Anniversary, National Little League Week at Annual Open House

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (June 20, 2007) – Little League International and
the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum welcomed more than 300
visitors to an open house in recognition of the museum’s 25th
Anniversary and National Little League Week.

In June 1959, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the
proclamation designating National Little League Week, as the week of
Flag Day, which is June 14. Flag Day was formally established by
President Harry S Truman to commemorate the date of the adoption of
the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States in
1777.

The Little League Museum was dedicated in 1982 in honor of Peter J.
McGovern, the first president and chief executive officer of Little
League Baseball, Incorporated. Mr. McGovern, a noted history buff,
was a driving force behind the establishment of the museum. In
recognition of the museum’s birthday, a commemorative pin has been
created, and is available for purchase in the gift shop.

The open house offered Little League fans a chance to get an inside
look at the Little League experience. A guided tour and walking
tours of the Little League Museum and the Little League
International complex included a trip through the Dr. Creighton J.
Hale International Grove, home to the players during their time at
the annual Little League Baseball World Series, and Howard J. Lamade
and Volunteer Stadiums, game sites for the World Series.

Dugout, Little League’s official mascot, was on hand for
photographs, autographs and cut the anniversary cake as guests
enjoyed the festivities.

Lou Hunsinger, Jr., a baseball historian from Williamsport, Pa.,
gave a presentation entitled “Jackie Robinson: Breaking the Color
Barrier,” a discussion of the first African-American to play Major
League Baseball in the modern era.

Sarah Jane “Salty” Ferguson, a former women’s professional baseball
player, presented “Bat Girl to Pro,” a talk about her playing days
in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Both
presentations were held in the Museum’s Mary McGovern Theatre.

A display of artifacts highlighting the 60th anniversary of Mr.
Robinson’s entrance into the Major Leagues belonging to Tony
Richardson, the Little League state director for New Jersey, and his
personal collection of Negro League baseball memorabilia remain in
the museum for public viewing.

Sarah Jane “Salty” Ferguson, seated, was Little League’s guest
at the annual Little League International open house. Mrs.
Ferguson presented, “Bat Girl to Pro,” an account of her days as
a player on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Visitors to the annual open house at the Peter J. McGovern
Little League Museum had an opportunity to view several unique
displays including artifacts collected by Tony Richardson,
Little League’s New Jersey state director, in remembrance of the
60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing Major League
Baseball.

The Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum
opened in the summer of 1982. This year, Little League Baseball
and Softball is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the museum
named in honor of the first president and chief executive
officer of Little League Baseball, Incorporated.